58. ROBERT KOTICK
THE MONEY: Santa Monica’s Activision Blizzard Inc. saw record-setting revenue of $6.6 billion last year from an impressive video-game library that includes the “Call of Duty” franchise, “World of Warcraft,” “Overwatch,” and “Diablo.” The company acquired CandyCrush saga developer King Digital in February 2016 for $5.9 billion, boosting its mobile-gaming market presence. In addition to his shares, Kotick holds Activision stock through investment vehicle ASAC II, which has a roughly 24 percent stake in the company.
THE BUZZ: Born in New York, Kotick has led Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard as chief executive since 1991 – the longest serving leader of a public technology company. He serves on the boards of Coca-Cola Co. and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, is chairman of the board at the Center for Early Childhood Education, and is a trustee of Harvard-Westlake School. Kotick founded the Call of Duty Endowment, which helps military veterans with career opportunities. He owns a seven-bedroom, 8,300-square-foot home in Beverly Hills and is rumored to be dating Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg.
NET WORTH: $1.01 billion
LAST YEAR: Not on list
AGE: 54
RESIDENCE: Santa Monica
SOURCE OF WEALTH: Video games
